Someone in the Tennessee legislature who has absolutely nothing to do has introduced an interesting bill.   It would require that abortion clinics post “anti-coercion” signs in their facility.  Ah, you tax dollars at work!

In Tennessee and in most states, it is alreday against the law to “coerce” a woman into having an abortion.  Makes sense to me.  But the author of the bill says that some women may not know about the law and suggests that the sign would simply inform women of their rights.    

So, let me put it out there right away.   There are money grubbing clinics run by money grubbing doctors whose offices should be shut down.  This should come as no surprise.  After all there are bad apples in every profession.  Indeed, while we have our sleaze balls, the pro-life side has priests who have molested children and protestors who have bombed clinics and killed doctors. 

When I thought about this legislation, my first reaction was that no one will read the sign.  I mean, c’mon, when you sit in a doctor’s office are you reading the signs with the small print?  Do you read the fine print when you see a commercial on TV or when you sign for that home equity loan?  I think not.

Then I started thinking a little more…

On one hand, I think it is insulting to women to suggest that they can be “coerced,” that they are weak, that they cannot think for themselves.   On the other hand, there are those who might not be that mature or educated who might be influenced by a bad abortion provider.  And I’m thinking that, if they saw the sign and ultimately felt like they had been “coerced,” they might take some action against that bad doctor.  On the other hand, it might encourage some frivolous lawsuits. 

I dunno…this is a tough one for me. 

Anyone have any thoughts out there?